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The recently legislated European Union (EU) Directive 2009/28/EC entitles Member States (MSs) to implement Cooperation Mechanisms, in order to promote the use of energy from renewable sources (RES) and enables them to achieve their binding national targets for 2020. The RES Directive introduces, inter alia, the implementation of joint RES projects between at least one MS and one or more neighbouring countries, in this direction. This paper aims to develop a methodological approach for the multi-criteria assessment of potential opportunities and risks that lie in the implementation of RES electricity (RES-E) projects incentivised by a Cooperation Mechanism between the EU and the Western Balkan (WB) region. Nine evaluation criteria are selected to cover all three aspects of the assessment, namely (a) the Investment Framework, (b) the Social Framework, and (c) Energy Security. Eventually, the seven Western Balkan countries are evaluated and ranked using UTASTAR, a multi-criteria additive value model based on ordinal regression and preference disaggregation, and the presented results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change policy and sustainable development issues and goals are closely intertwined. Recognizing the dual relationship between sustainable development and climate change points to a need for the exploration of actions that jointly address sustainable development and climate change. Technology transfer is considered an issue with growing interest worldwide and has been recognized as the key in supporting countries to achieve sustainable development, while addressing climate change challenges. This study presents an integrated decision support methodological framework for the formulation and evaluation of activities to promote technology transfer, as well as the provision of clear recommendations and strategies for framing specific policy in the context of climate change. The philosophy of the proposed approach, under the name: assess-identify-define (AID), consists of three components, where each one focuses on a particular problem. The methodology is integrated using appropriate tools in the information decision support system for effective technology transfer (DSS-ETT). The pilot application of the proposed methodology, in five representative developing countries, provided the possibility to evaluate the characteristics of the adopted methodology in terms of completeness, usability, extensionality, as well as analysis of results reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the European natural gas production has declined having, as a consequence, increased import dependence, which is estimated to reach 85% by 2030. Therefore, the implementation of a European energy policy, towards the viability, competitiveness and security of energy supply, is more than essential. Necessary parameter for the elaboration of such a policy is the diversification of natural gas supply sources and corridors, in order to eliminate growing dependences. Moreover, the recent cases of natural gas supply interruptions to the EU, due to international geopolitical conflicts, further underline the above, indicating the necessity towards an assessment of the potential impact that a natural gas supply disruption would cause to the European natural gas security. To this end and, given the political uprising in the area of North Africa, main objective of this paper is to investigate how a natural gas supply interruption from Algeria, the EU’s third largest supplier, would affect the European natural gas security, in terms of natural gas demand satisfaction. Monte Carlo simulation was applied, producing results on the more affected countries and underlining the importance of supplies diversification, reserves and production, when applicable, towards the enhancement of natural gas security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Today there are several opportunities for Renewable Energy Sources (RES), as well as for nuclear technologies to contribute to mitigating climate change and to promote sustainable development (SD). In this framework, the main scope of the present study is to provide an analysis and a direct point-to-point comparison of five promising renewable energy technologies, namely, biomass gasification, molten carbonate fuel cells fed with wood gas, Solar Photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal and offshore wind, in contrast to two advanced nuclear technologies, European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) and European Fast Reactor (EFR). The examination was made with regards to technology characteristics, sustainability factors and potential deployment drivers and barriers, obtained from relative studies. The analysis indicated that the examined RES and nuclear technologies both offer substantial contribution to climate change by effectively producing limited amounts of GHG emissions, which are close to zero for the nuclear technologies. The RES produce no significant waste and are generally favored by policy incentives, but some of them are plagued by high production costs and low efficiency. On the contrary, the examined nuclear technologies, despite their enhanced safety, reduced costs and minimized waste, still have to face the major issues of weapons proliferation, safety, waste handling and high costs as well as public acceptance, which have been affected by the recent Fukushima accident. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol has the explicit objective to both reduce greenhouse gases emissions and support sustainable development (SD) in developing countries. An important aspect that remains an open issue is how the CDM contributes to the three main dimensions of SD, namely environmental, social and economic. Although an extensive literature has emerged focusing on the different aspects of the CDM, the necessity for the sustainability assessment of the CDM projects still remains. Moreover, existing CDM analysis is dominated by studies of CDM projects in Brazil, Mexico, India and China. Within the thousands of CDM projects globally, Africa only has 251 projects in the CDM pipeline and accordingly limited research has been conducted. To cover this knowledge gap regarding sustainability performance in African countries, this paper presents a methodological approach for the SD benefits’ assessment of the CDM projects in developing countries. To this end, appropriate SD criteria and indicators were selected to measure the performance of the CDM projects according to SD dimensions. The proposed approach lays emphasis on the SD benefits of CDM projects in Kenya, which was selected as a priority country, in terms of its potential for CDM projects. The results from the SD benefits’ assessment of the CDM projects in Africa would be important, especially in policy-making and in countries where high CDM potential has been indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The electricity production sector has currently and for the past years been dominated by fossil fuel technologies, mostly coal, oil and natural gas. This has had various environmental consequences, such as increased gaseous emissions, soil and water pollution, global warming, as well as fossil resource depletion. As a result, the need to pursue Sustainable Development (SD), in order to reduce dependency on fossil fuel, to achieve Greenhouse Gas (GHG) mitigation and to reverse the effects of climate change has currently become imperative. SD is considered to be one of the most important factors for countries’ energy policy today and efforts, such as the ones materialized through the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms, are being made to promote sustainable electricity production technologies globally. Nuclear and renewable energy technologies both have the potential of contributing to the increasing global energy demands, while simultaneously lowering GHG emissions and also having a positive economic and social impact. In view of their differences and the ongoing nuclear debate, this paper aims to compare specific promising and emerging nuclear and renewable energy technologies in terms of their contribution to SD and prospects for deployment. The comparison showed that each technology contributes in its own way to SD and that political decisions, individual country energy policies and public opinion will probably determine the future deployment of each energy technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Within the framework of achieving the European environmental targets towards climate change mitigation, as well as decreasing the fossil fuel dependence and its negative effects on global warming, renewable energy sources (RES) promotion has become a major issue of concern in most European Union (EU) countries. In the above context, most EU countries have endorsed initiatives to foster RES implementation development and inclusion in the energy mix, aiming to endeavor and further impel the benefits deriving from RES and harmonize to the EU Directive or Kyoto Protocol. Nevertheless, only few sporadic efforts have been examining countries and compare the requirements for promoting RES implementation that lack specific RES obligations or a framework set by the Kyoto Protocol or the EU Directive, and particular Balkans countries with great RES potential, such as BiH and Serbia. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the conditions and modalities for RES progress within the economic, political and institutional dimension, in these two neighboring countries located in the vicinity of EU Member States (MS), which appear to have a similar historical, political and economical background and an extensive RES potential. The analysis indicated that RES development in BiH seems to be a slow process, its institutional framework is partly established and further strengthening is required. In Serbia, the institutional framework is efficiently established, are in the process of developing new legislation to facilitate renewable energy development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The impact of clean development mechanism (CDM) projects on climate change technology transfer (CCTT), which is essential for developing countries to achieve higher mitigation targets and move towards more sustainable paths, has been, until now, inadequately understood and analysed. The aim of this paper is to analyse the carbon market contribution to CCTT, mainly through the CDM, so as to stimulate developing countries towards the deployment and diffusion of low-carbon technologies that fulfil their sustainability goals. Indeed, relatively few studies deal with the assessment of the CDM contribution to CCTT, mainly through desk analysis and empirical evaluations on project design documents. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies dealing with CCTT through CDM projects using statistical approaches. The added value of this article is the use of statistical analysis, time series analysis and multiple linear regression to analyse carbon market experiences in selected cross-representative developing countries. This assessment indicated the very heterogeneous CCTT across CDM project types, varying significantly in terms of reliance on imported technology, mix of equipment and knowledge and source countries for the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The European Union (EU) is developing an increasingly close relationship with Moldova, going beyond cooperation, to gradual economic integration and a deepening of political cooperation. This fact indicates that eventually the adoption of EU legislation in the energy sector is a necessity. Therefore, the provision of a clear picture of the country’s renewable energy potential is considered essential, bearing in mind the new EU Renewable Energy Directive, which sets a mandatory target of 20% of renewable energy sources by 2020 for each member state. The aim of this paper is to discuss the perspective of renewable energy in Moldova taking into account the current energy framework and to analyze, whether it is suitable to adopt similar methodologies and policy frameworks applied in other EU countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of today's greatest challenges is the response to the worldwide continuously increasing energy demand. The need for supply of electricity is getting greater year by year. In addition, climate change problems and the limited fossil resources require new sustainable electricity generation options, which utilize Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and are economical in the meantime. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) generation is a proven renewable energy technology that has the potential to become costeffective in the future. This analysis explores for Chile the potential of CSP to deliver key energy services for the country. The specific technology has a significant technical potential within Chile, but 'somehow' do not receive sufficient attention from relevant stakeholders, because of gaps either in stakeholders' awareness of the technology or in domestic research and development (R&D) and/or public/private investment. The aim of this paper is to establish a well-informed discussion on the feasibility and potential of the specific sustainable energy technology, namely the CSP technology, within a given country context and particularly Chile. It provides an overview of the fundamental (macro-economic) forces within an economy and identifies some of the blockages and barriers that can be expected when introducing a new technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, Serbia needs to disengage from the broad use of fossil fuels and turn to the "attractive" Renewable Energy Sources (RES) for energy production, since the Kyoto Protocol ratification, so as to resolve systematically the problem of energy demand. In addition, research indicates that Serbia is a country with high potential and favourable conditions for RES energy production, as the country's potential could supply almost half of its primary energy needs. The paper provides an overview of Serbia's energy sector status quo, so as to emphasize the necessity for RES implementation in order to balance the country's energy deficit. The aim is to investigate and present the country's prospects in the RES sector, revealing the proven RES potential and pointing out that the unexploited RES potential together with an adequately well structured energy sector would create great possibilities and conditions for a new market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change mitigation is considered as a high priority internationally and is placed in the top of the agenda for most politicians and decision makers. The key challenge is that low-carbon sustainable technologies need to be adopted both by developed as well as developing countries, in an effort to avoid past unsustainable practices and being locked into old, less sustainable technologies. Technology transfer (TT), as an important feature of both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol can play a key role. TT can allow countries to move quickly to environmentally sound and sustainable practices, institutions and technologies. Indeed, the transfer or innovation process must be fast enough, to reduce global vulnerability to climate change. The aim of this paper is to analyse the TT challenges and emerging opportunities under the new climate regime, in terms of the process of innovation into an existing energy system, the related barriers and the supporting diffusion mechanisms. Good practices for renewable energy are also presented and discussed by both the developed and the developing countries in this respect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Appraising the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) options’ contribution to Sustainable Development (SD) is a complex task, considering the different aspects of SD the imprecision and uncertainty of the related information as well as the qualitative aspects embodied, that cannot be represented by numerical values. The objective of the paper is to show how energy policy objectives towards SD and RES options are related and assessed using linguistic variables. The presented method extends the numerical multicriteria method TOPSIS for processing linguistic information, eliminating in parallel the loss of information caused by the approximation procedures and the ambiguity of the fuzzy ranking method’s selection. Moreover, the application of the method’s computerized software to the RES interventions proposed in the Hellenic National Action Plan for Greenhouse Gases is presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Energy Efficiency (ENEF) is one of the most promising sectors for reducing emissions of sustained growth and increasing energy security in developing countries. ENEF is, however, severely underrepresented in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), due in large part to its dispersed nature, which cannot be easily accommodated into traditional CDM modalities. Furthermore, in the present context, uncertainty prevails to whether the CDM is actually procuring its aims in terms of achieving Sustainable Development (SD) as well as to what extent. On the other hand, programmatic CDM (pCDM) could become an important tool to both bundle small-scale projects and organise similar (not necessarily small-scale) projects carried out at different locations and scales. In this respect, pCDM could offer a promising framework to maximize SD benefits through the inclusion of ENEF activities in developing countries. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) technology has a significant technical potential within Chile, but 'somehow' do not receive sufficient attention from relevant stakeholders and key market players. This paper presents an analysis that explores for Chile, the potential of CFLs to deliver key energy services for the country. In the above framework, a simulation will be presented on the potential of large-scale CFL deployment in Chile in CDM emissions trading, energy and environmental terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development in developing countries is the main aim of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). However, in the present context, uncertainty prevails as to whether the CDM is actually achieving its aims in terms of achieving sustainable development and to what extent. Chile has several renewable energy and energy efficiency options with significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions abatement potential that are not yet financially and economically competitive. In order to be able to identify potential CDM projects and to formulate a series of possible investment strategies with a sustainable development component, it is crucial to establish a clear understanding of the host country's needs and priorities and the suitable sustainable energy technologies to meet these needs. The main scope of this paper is to present results obtained from an elaborated stakeholder assessment on Chile's high priority energy needs and sustainable energy technologies fulfilling these needs in order to assist Chile in finding ways of encouraging technology transfer that would contribute to low-carbon sustainable energy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are several opportunities for Renewable Energy Sources (RES), within the new climate change regime as they meet the two basic conditions to be eligible under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). RES contribute to global sustainability through greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and, they conform to national priorities by leading to the enhancement of local economic activity, capacities and infrastructure. However, RES knowledge regarding their benefits, needs and priorities is not easily fed into the developing countries’ decision-making process, since it is not provided to all relevant stakeholders in a structured and transparent way. The main scope of this paper is an exploratory analysis of five renewable energy options, namely Hydro, Wind, Solar, Geothermal and Ocean energy, in terms of their status in the developed world and their potential and perspectives for deployment in the developing world. Particular emphasis will be laid on the emerging opportunities for sustainable technology transfer under the umbrella of the CDM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The complexities related to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) are considered quite high and only a relatively low percentage of the existing potential has been exploited in the developing world. Israel obtains a significant unexploited potential, especially regarding Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Energy Efficiency (ENEF). In order to be able to identify potential CDM projects and to formulate a series of possible investment strategies with a CDM component, it is crucial to establish a clear understanding of the host country''s needs and priorities, the suitable sustainable energy technologies, as well as their related potential benefits and barriers. The paper presents results obtained from an elaborated stakeholders'' assessment on potential of sustainable energy technologies under the CDM conducted in Israel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Europe and many world regions are taking climate and environmental concerns seriously, and are increasing the shares of variable renewable energy resources in the electricity generation portfolio. Digging deeper, we can distinguish time-series econometrics, spatial econometrics and statistical clustering methods on the one hand, and deterministic numerical modelling as well as stochastic simulation of energy systems on the other hand. A new method for aggregating time series is proposed which essentially consists of constructing new time series that are approximations of the original series but with fewer time slices. The construction secures that certain characteristics of the original time series (such as the minimum, maximum and average values, differences between consecutive time slices) are maintained in the aggregated time series. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Although integrated building automation systems have become increasingly popular, an integrated system which includes remote control technology to enable real-time monitoring of the energy consumption by energy end-users, as well as optimization functions is required. To respond to this common interest, the main aim of the paper is to present an integrated system for buildings’ energy-efficient automation. The proposed system is based on a prototype software tool for the simulation and optimization of energy consumption in the building sector, enhancing the interactivity of building automation systems. The system can incorporate energy-efficient automation functions for heating, cooling and/or lighting based on recent guidance and decisions of the National Law, energy efficiency requirements of EN 15232 and ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard among others. The presented system was applied to a supermarket building in Greece and focused on the remote control of active systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy technology transfer can allow countries to move quickly to environmentally sound and sustainable practices. Integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) technologies in the energy sector of these countries can play a key role towards sustainability. The level of penetration of RES technologies remains seriously in arrears in Tajikistan, although the country has great RES potential. The aim of the paper is to look deeply into the most appropriate RES technology, which can be gradually introduced in the energy sector of Tajikistan and supported through demonstrations, business workshops, guides for installers with technical details and design proposals. The multi-dimensional methodology adopted included transparent decision support processes, using linguistic variables, taking into consideration the specific conditions prevailing in Tajikistan, as well as policy and technical proposal for the further development of the local market. Based on the results, the emphasis is laid on decentralized heat production, though the promotion of Solar Water Heaters, which seems to be an attractive energy option, with multiple benefits for the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Insights into the past Energy Research and Technology Development (ERTD) expenditures allows policy makers to better set priorities for current and future ERTD funding as well as to analyze the exact impact of ERTD investments to the development of energy technologies. However, despite numerous attempts in the past, there is currently no comprehensive, validated database that includes disaggregated data on public and private ERTD expenditures in the EU-27 for different technology groups. One of the main aims of the Scientific Reference System for New Energy Technologies and Energy End Use Efficiency (SRS NET & EEE) FP6 project is to enhance the availability, quality and completeness of data on public and private ERTD expenditures, disaggregated for energy technologies and energy end-use efficiency options in the EU-27. The aim of the paper is to outline the main data gathering procedures and results from the “SRS NET & EEE” project, as well as the related policy implication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]